A friend said that beer is expensive in Hong Kong. But there we were, past midnight, at Hum Hong's wide sidewalks outside Hotel SAV'S posh lobby (where I was amazed to find iMacs for guests sitting on a table with no security manning it and no door lock, I mean, you just cannot do that in the Philippines) chugging out one can of beer after another. We found a 7-Eleven right beside the hotel selling Tsingtao at buy-one-take-one prices.

HONG KONG FROM THE PLANE WINDOW

It was our first night in the country. Yes, I still consider Hong Kong a country separate from mainland China. I guess, its people too, judging from the recent Umbrella Revolution sit-in uprising. But I digress. I was just in town exactly a week ago when a cruise I was invited in docked at Victoria Harbour, this time though, I would be staying for more than four hours.

We landed at the Hong Kong International Airport quite late, boarded the efficient bus system at the airport terminus and alighted at Valley Road bus stop; two of us carrying a backpack, and another, lugging a suitcase as we Google-mapped our way to our lodging of choice, Hotel SAV.

MIDNIGHT WALK TO HOTEL SAV FROM THE BUS STATION

My companions have been romping around Hong Kong since they were toddlers but it was their first time in Hum Hong, a good thing I presume, as there wouldn't be a lot of tourists in the area. Still, the hotel was quite easy to find. I bet it would've been easier still if we arrived early and availed of their free bus coaches which runs to and from the different parts of the city, like the famous TST.

HOTEL SAV’S COLOFUL AND FUNKY LOBBY AND DINING HALL, BEYOND

CHOOSE A CARD, WHICH WOULD IN TURN, DECIDE WHAT ROOM YOU’RE HAVING

Check in at SAV (which stand for syle, attitude and vision, by the way), was quite painless and even mildly entertaining as we got to be assigned rooms depending on the cute postcard we choose by the snappily-dressed and friendly lobby attendants.

ONE OF THE ART ROOM AT THE 22ND FLOOR GALLERY ROOMS

OUR DELUXE ROOM FOR THE NIGHT

THE TASTEFULLY DONE ENSUITE TOILET AND BATH

The hotel looks fairly new and the rooms very snazzy (you can even change the light's colors depending on your mood). You can't play basketball inside, but it is spaced just right for guests not to feel claustophobic. Its modern minimalist style fits it well [CHECK AVAILABILITY AND RATES]. It was just too bad we didn't get to stay at their art rooms which are hiply decorated by young local artists.

COMPLIMENTARY SMARTPHONE FOR GUESTS

Quickly leaving our bags, we pocketed SAV's complimentary smartphone for easy connection to the Internet (for finding our way around and, of course, Instagram). Nifty and very, very convenient, I have to say.

BREAKFAST BUFFET THE NEXT DAY. THE HAVE BACONS!

Checking in quite late, SAV's in-house restaurant was understandably closed at the time, in fact, the staff already seemed to be preparing for the breakfast buffet, which by the way, is complimentary with a stay.

A photo posted by blissfulguro (@blissfulguro) on Nov 17, 2015 at 5:36am PST

So we hunted the nearby alleyways for chow. Indeed, we were famished. We went around and around, finding mostly grilled meat on sticks, but we wanted to try Hong Kong's famous dimsums and noodles. It took us a bit of walking through Hong Kong's chilly streets before finally settling on a hawker stall right in front of our hotel. Jeez. Well, at least we got to see a bit of the neighborhood.

BALLS, NOODLES AND BEER

After bowls of steaming noodles and uncountable sticks of skewered what-nots, we contentedly stretched on a foldable table and plastic chairs right at the sidewalk, it was time for beer. Not a bad first night to spend in Hong Kong. And yes, beer can be cheap in Hong Kong, if you know where to look.

Hotel SAV's bed comforted us right after, keeping us snug and washing away the long journey prior until the sun peeked through the city's skyscrapers and into our window. Good morning, Hong Kong! I hope to see more of you today! ~ BIG THANKS TO HOTEL SAV FOR SPONSORING OUR ONE-NIGHT STAY IN HUM HONG